Sylvester ADEDIGBA

The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan College of Nursing Sciences, Oluyoro, held its maiden matriculation ceremony for students of the National Diploma (ND) Nursing Programme on Wednesday, 11th March 2026.

The historic event marked a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey as it formally admitted its first cohort of National Diploma nursing students into the college.

The ceremony commenced with an academic procession, followed by the recognition of distinguished guests, members of the academic community, and invited dignitaries.

In her welcome address, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Prof. Beatrice Ohaeri, warmly welcomed guests and described the occasion as a historic moment for the college. She noted that the matriculating students are the pioneering set of the ND Nursing Programme, who will lay the foundation for future cohorts of students in the institution.

Prof. Ohaeri charged the students to imbibe the virtues of morality, discipline, and academic excellence, emphasizing that nursing is a profession built on service, compassion, dedication, and commitment to humanity. She also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to training competent and compassionate nurses capable of contributing meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

In her address, the Provost, Dr. Modupeola Oyesiji described the matriculation ceremony as the formal beginning of the students’ journey into the nursing profession. She congratulated the newly admitted students, noting that their admission into the programme reflects their perseverance, commitment, and desire to serve humanity through nursing.

She reminded the students that nursing is not merely a profession but a vocation, one that demands discipline, patience, compassion, dedication, and integrity. By taking the matriculation oath, the students formally accepted the responsibility to abide by the rules and regulations of the college and uphold the ethical standards of the nursing profession.

The Provost further explained that the students’ training would involve both theoretical and practical learning, covering courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, and Maternal and Child Health, alongside clinical postings where they will interact with patients and gain practical experience.

The students were encouraged to attend lectures regularly, participate actively in clinical training, and maintain high academic standards, as excellence is essential in healthcare practice. They were equally cautioned against acts of misconduct such as examination malpractice and indiscipline.

The Matriculation Lecture was delivered by the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Prisca O. Adejumo, Dean, Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, after her citation was presented by Dr. Pauline Guobadia. The lecture was delivered on her behalf by Dr. Iyanuoluwa Ojo and was titled “Nursing: The Past, Present and Future.”

In the lecture, the speaker gave a brief historical overview of the nursing profession, highlighting the contributions of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founding mother of modern nursing. She explained Nightingale’s environmental theory and emphasis on evidence-based practice, which helped transform nursing into a structured and professional healthcare discipline.

The lecture traced the evolution of nursing from basic caregiving roles to a recognized and respected healthcare profession with specialized responsibilities. It also examined the current realities of the profession, noting that nurses play a critical role in healthcare delivery worldwide.

However, the speaker acknowledged several challenges confronting the profession today, including workforce shortages, workplace stress and burnout, and safety concerns in clinical environments.

Despite these challenges, she pointed out that the profession is experiencing new opportunities due to technological advancements in healthcare. Innovations such as telehealth services, electronic health records, artificial intelligence, and wearable health devices are transforming the way healthcare services are delivered.

She encouraged the newly matriculated students to embrace emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and utilize them responsibly to improve patient care, noting that the global healthcare system is increasingly integrating digital solutions.

Looking to the future, the lecture highlighted emerging areas such as genomic nursing, precision medicine, and global health collaboration, which will further expand the scope of nursing practice. While technologies such as robotics and digital tools may support nurses in performing routine tasks, the lecturer emphasized that technology cannot replace the human qualities that define nursing, such as empathy, compassion, advocacy, and the caring presence of the nurse.

She also provided insights into the professional journey of a nurse, from foundational education and clinical training to specialization and lifelong learning, urging the students to remain committed to excellence throughout their careers.

Emphasizing the dynamic nature of the profession, she noted that nurses must understand the past, adapt to present realities, and prepare for future innovations in order to effectively contribute to improved healthcare outcomes.

Delivering a key message to the students, she stated:

“As you enter this noble profession, remember that every advance—from sanitation protocols to robotic assistants—serves one eternal purpose: to heal, comfort, and empower those who entrust their lives to your care. Lead boldly, innovate responsibly, and continue the legacy that began with a lamp illuminating darkness.”

Following the lecture, the matriculating students were formally presented by the Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. Lucia Ojewale, after which they took the Matriculation Oath and signed the matriculation register. The oath-taking ceremony was administered by the Registrar of the College, Mrs. Fisayo Aladesiun.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of several organizations and institutions, including:

1. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) Zonal Office
2. Representative of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
3. The Director of Nursing Services, Oyo State Ministry of Health
4. The Provost, College of Nursing Sciences, University College Hospital
5. Representative of the Chief Executive Officer of Johnvents Group

In addition, the Special Address was delivered by the Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami, who represented the Archbishop, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin. In his address, he expressed appreciation to the parents, management, and staff of the college for their dedication to the formation of future healthcare professionals. He also encouraged the matriculating students to maintain good conduct, remain focused on their studies, and uphold the moral and professional values expected of nurses.

The ceremony concluded on a note of gratitude and celebration, marking the beginning of a new academic journey for the pioneer students of the National Diploma Nursing Programme at the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan College of Nursing Sciences.